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How to Convert Wind Speed to Pressure

By Paul Dohrman; Updated April 24, 2017

Wind speed can be easily converted to pressure using an online converter (see Resources section). However, you can also perform the conversion yourself by using a simple formula. Note that the velocity will be squared in order to find the pressure, since the energy of the wind varies by the square of its velocity.

Convert the wind speed into miles per hour, if they aren’t already.

For example, 1 meter per second is 1/3600 meters per hour, or 1/3.6 kilometers per hour, or 0.621/3.6 miles per hour (0.1725 mph).

Square the wind speed.

Multiply by 0.0027. The result is your pressure in pounds per square feet.

For example, if you ride your bike at 20 miles per hour and your frontal area is 5 square feet, then the pressure you experience is (20^2) * 0.0027 = 1.08 pounds per square foot, and the force you experience is 1.08 * 5 = 5.4 pounds. At 30 mph, you’d feel 30^2 * 0.0027 * 5 = 12.2 pounds of pressure.

Warning

The 0.0027 factor is based on certain assumptions, such as “normal” velocities, relatively flat surfaces, and normal air densities and temperatures. Extreme sizes, like the cross section of a pin or a building, may require different factors.

References

About the Author

Paul Dohrman's academic background is in physics and economics. He has professional experience as an educator, mortgage consultant, and casualty actuary. His interests include development economics, technology-based charities, and angel investing.